Yves Saint Laurent

Update: This post has been updated on July 14, 2012. Scroll down to see the new add.

Yves Saint Laurent will be always one of my favorite high-end fashion brands. They belong to fashion much like the Eiffel Tower belongs to Paris. Where would be without this everlasting house of delicate French fashion? In 100 years from now most designers being hyped right now will be long forgotten, but I’m sure YSL will be considered iconic for its cultural and aesthetic influence in our era. And rightfully so. Evidence A: see below.

Qupid Roshay-01 Platform Pumps

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps

If you want the same style without breaking the bank, try these suede platforms by Dolce Vita which are dead ringers for the YSL Imperiale pumps. Not exactly a steal at ~$160, but still a whole lotta cheaper than the original Yves Saint Laurent heels. Also available in taupe suede and navy leather.

I’d love to see these fabulous sandals by Yves Saint Laurent paired with a beautiful summer suit with sleek modern lines and impeccable tailoring. The platforms provide that extra little bit of balance, transforming any feminine silhouette into one with more presence and structure. The other great thing is how easy they can go from casual to dressier occasions. And considering the price, that’s a very important requisite. But if you’re in the market for a similar yet budget-friendly look, we’ve also got just the thing.

Gianni Bini “Alana” Platform Sandals

Not only are these Gianni Bini sandals very affordable (only $59.99) but if you’re like me, and your neutral staple is black, you’ll be able to get so much mileage out of these as you take them from this season to the next! You could wear them on the weekend under your bootcut jeans or just as easily with some leggings. Choose accessories that echo the beautiful lines of this pair, and of course you can’t go wrong by adding a little metal hardware into the mix.

I used to associate cap-toe shoes with old ladies and always found them to be aging. However, lately I’ve seen quite a few outstanding examples which I wouldn’t mind wearing myself. Case in point: these simple black pointed pumps with a gold cap-toe by Yves Saint Laurent. That’s sophistication and elegance unified! It’s quite the understated shoe with just the right amount of extravagance! And a hefty price tag, of course! It is YSL after all.

Celebrities Love Yves Saint Laurent

ASOS PLUTO Point Court Shoes with Gold Toe Cap

If you’re looking for the same level of sophistication in a shoe but don’t want to spend a small fortune, these ASOS heels might just be what you were looking for. They have the same look but come at a much nicer price. Score! Available in black as shown below or a just as lovely natural snake version.

Update: This post has been updated on April 17, 2012. Scroll down to see the new add.

So I know I blogged about Yves Saint Laurent‘s Palais pumps before, but the yellow version is just so lovely I had to dedicate them a post on their own. I remember first seeing them in yellow on The Shoegirl’s blog who called them her banana shoes (haha, so true! ;)). I have yet to purchase my first pair of yellow shoes… do you own yellow shoes? I’d love to make these YSLs mine, but a) they’re so sold out by now and b) even if they weren’t, they’d be way out of my regular shoe shopping budget, so off I was to search for a more wallet-friendly alternative…

EXPRESS Peep-toe Platform Pumps

Kelsi Dagger “Abrielle” Platform Pumps

UPDATE (11/17/2011): These Kelsi Dagger pumps are probably one of the most blatant knockoffs I’ve ever come across, but I kind of love them. Why? Because they’re way more accessible at $129.99 than at $700+. Available in yellow, orange, green, blue and black suede as well as black patent.

Promise “Lego” Platform Pumps

As with the blue Palais version, Promise once again comes to a broke fashionista’s rescue. But at that time no one had this knockoff in yellow which changed recently when I spied these YSL look-a-likes at Heels.com. Yes, it’s more of a mustard color than a true sunshiney yellow, but at $54.99 I won’t be the one to complain. Also available in black or fuchsia faux suede.

The Yves Saint Laurent Baobab Python Wedge is a statement piece on its own as it can spice up any outfit. I adore the juxtaposition of the various colors; the olive and orange among the gray python creates a frivolous pattern adding more depth and texture to the overall appearance. Also, the sculpted heel is so artistic and fascinating to look at. These would make a great addition to my closet and perfectly coincide with my love of neutral toned clothing. But as much as I love YSL, I definitely cannot afford these amazing wedge sandals for $1.995. Take a look at the wonderful steal below!

Celebrities Love Yves Saint Laurent

Jeffrey Campbell “For Real” Strappy Platform Sandals

Though a different color pattern, these shoes are definitely hot! With the magenta color and metallic undertone, you are destined to capture all of the attention. The sculpted heel is still very apparent just like in the YSL; the only thing that’s really missing would be the python print and a bit more straps. Other than that, the Jeffrey Campbell “FOR REAL” platforms are an identical match for $134.95. This steal is a sartorial sensation.